Jeremiah 2:28

"who tell wood, ‘You are my father,’ and a stone, ‘You have given birth to me,’ for they have turned their back to me, and not their face, but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise, and save us!’"

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, the people’s worship practices were deeply rooted in their cultural and religious traditions. By addressing lifeless wood or stone as their fathers, Jeremiah's audience was engaging in a form of idolatry that had long been condemned by prophetic voices within Judaism. This verse critiques such false worship, highlighting how these actions demonstrate a backhanded rejection of the true God, despite outward appearances suggesting devotion and reliance on divine intervention during times of crisis.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

A question of bitter irony. Things are made for some use. Now is the time for thy deities to prove themselves real by being useful. When every city has its special deity, surely among so many there might be found one able to help his worshippers. O Judah -Hereto the argument had been addressed to Israel: suddenly the prophet charges Judah with the habitual practice of idolatry, and points to the conclusion, that as Jerusalem has been guilty of Samaria’s sin, it must suffer Samaria’s punishment.

More from Jeremiah 2

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